Overview:

The Draft Peterborough Local Plan (2024–2044) is one of the first in the UK to embed the UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard (UKNZCBS) into local planning policy – placing energy performance and whole-life carbon at the heart of development decisions. It signals a new era in planning and one likely to be replicated elsewhere – are you ready?

What’s changing:

Key policies such as LP10 (Energy Efficiency), LP29 (Renewables & Low Carbon Infrastructure), and LP30 (Embodied Carbon) reflect the rising national standards and place a clear emphasis on:

• Fabric-first, passive-led design
• Whole Life Carbon reporting
• TM54 and Energy Use Intensity (EUI) modelling
• Net zero-ready buildings aligned with LETI benchmarks.

Why it matters:

Albeit draft, if introduced in full, future planning applicants in Peterborough will now be expected to demonstrate:

• Energy use and carbon reduction through a fabric-first design
• Performance-led building modelling (CIBSE TM54, LETI-aligned EUI targets)
• Whole Life Carbon and Embodied Carbon assessments
• Compliance with UKNZCBS for both residential and non-residential schemes

For developers and planning consultants, the implications are clear. Sustainability and energy performance must be embedded from day one, shaping the design process from the outset.

Planning submissions will need to be supported by robust, data-driven evidence, from energy modelling to carbon assessments, as the focus shifts to measurable and demonstrable performance.

How we can help:

At Focus, with over 25 years working in the regulatory, planning and sustainability arena, we are already supporting clients in meeting these high standards. Our Assess team continue to deliver a comprehensive range of UKNZCBS-aligned services including:

• Preliminary Design and Strategy review
• Supporting PHPP Calculations or Dynamic Energy Modelling TM54
• Supporting Thermal Bridge (PSI Value) Calculations and Advice
• ADO Overheating and Thermal Modelling guidance
• WLCA – Whole Life and Embodied Carbon Analysis
• SAP Assessments for Building Regulations Compliance
• UKNZCBS Submissions
• Planning Statements covering Energy & Sustainability

Our strength lies in providing a professional, coordinated approach that meets our clients’ demands for efficiency in design, while also providing answers to both regulatory and planning requirements – helping them comply with emerging future planning policies.

Contact the Assess team today on 0115 976 5050 to discuss how we can support on upcoming planning requirements.